It’s only been almost four months since Neri Naig Miranda was arrested for alleged estafa and violation of the Securities Regulation Code and then detained at the Pasay City Jail Female Dormitory. The actress-turned-entrepreneur opened up in an Instagram post last March 21 about her harrowing experience. 

READ: Neri Naig arrested for securities violations, estafa

She wrote, “Hindi ko talaga inakala na mapapasama ako sa Most Wanted sa Pilipinas…

"Tinawag akong magnanakaw, manloloko, at scammer. Never naman akong nagtago. Palagi nga akong nasa palengke, sa mga talks, at kahit saan pa—I have always been visible, hindi lang sa social media.”

During the time of her arrest, the Southern Police District (SPD) listed Neri as the 7th most wanted person at the station level due to 14 counts of violating the Securities Regulation Code with recommended bail of ₱126,000 for each count,

In the same post, Neri said that she has yet to reveal her side of the story and what really went on during her arrest, but admitted it was an experience she will not forget.

She wrote, “I know many of you are waiting for me to tell my side of the story. When the time is right, I will. O kung kailangan pa bang ikwento ang lahat—mula sa pagdakip sa akin, sa kahihiyan, sa pagkakadetain, at sa agarang paglipat sa BJMP, kung saan dali-dali akong pinasuot ng yellow uniform. But for now, let me just say this: It was a nightmare. Isang pagsubok at bangungot na hindi ko kailanman malilimutan.”

Despite having the syndicated estafa complaint against her dismissed earlier this month by the Pasay City Regional Trial Court after there was no probable cause found against her, Neri said it still didn’t stop all the backlash she received from the public when the news of her arrest came out.

She wrote, “Sa kabila ng lahat—the labels, the ridicule, the judgment—I chose silence. Because I’ve learned that when we are in pain, it’s easy to say things we don’t mean. Pero hindi ako yun. I refuse to let anger or hurt define me. Some celebrated my lowest point, ginawa pa akong content para pagkakitaan. They judged me, questioned me, and discredited my hard work.”

READ: Neri Naig’s syndicated estafa complaint junked

The 41-year-old actress also showed her gratitude to those who gave her support during this challenging time. Neri also shared how she wants her kids to learn from what she went through. 

“But there were those who stood by me, defended me, and lifted me up without asking for anything in return—I see you, I appreciate you, and I hope one day, I can do the same for you. Sa lahat ng naniwala, sumuporta, at nagdasal para sa amin, maraming, maraming salamat po! To those who felt even the smallest impact of our kindness, thank you. You remind me that goodness still exists in the world.

"I always tell my kids: The best investment in life is kindness. Hindi mo agad-agad makikita ang balik, pero darating at darating ito sa tamang panahon. Minsan, pakiramdam natin, hindi tayo pinapansin ni Lord kasi sunod-sunod ang pagsubok. Pero minsan, He’s just busy fixing things behind the scenes. And in every storm, He sends His Army of Angels. This time, kayo ‘yun. Maraming, maraming salamat sa inyong pagmamahal, suporta, at panalangin. Hindi ko ito malilimutan….”